Miami Cosmetic Dermatologist

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We all would like our skin to have a healthy glow, but none of us want a glow that comes from being covered in sweat, grease, or oil. Oily skin is a common problem, especially in the summertime and especially here in South Florida where the heat, humidity, and intense sunshine can send our bodies’ production of oil into overdrive.

Oily skin is caused by excess sebum production. Teenagers often experience such an increase because of hormones and genetics, which lead to grease, clogged pores and breakouts. Adults can suffer from hormone-induced sebum increases as well, but even without such preexisting conditions, summer heat can trigger an uptick in oil production, leaving you with a shiny, unattractive complexion compounded with makeup, moisturizers, or sunscreen that seem to start melting off of your face seconds after walking out the door.

You may not be able to fight your genes, but you can keep oily skin under control in the summertime through simple alterations and additions to your skin care regimen. Keep these tips in mind as we head towards Labor Day:

Keep it clean. Use a mild cleanser at least twice a day to gently wash your face. Avoid products containing harsh soaps or detergents as they can actually cause more problems by removing so much moisture from your skin that your body reacts by overcompensating and producing more oil. A little moisture in the summer is a good thing as it keeps your skin from drying out and defends against the sun and other harsh environmental elements. Conversely, cleansers with added moisturizers or facial oils may be too heavy and promote further skin congestion. Use a washcloth or facial cleansing brush and rinse with warm or cool water that won’t dry you out. For acne sufferers, 2 percent salicylic acid cleansers can help break down oils and eradicate any blemishes.

Keep it toned. Toning your skin helps to tighten pores, clean up residue and prevent excess sebum production. For an all-natural solution, apply witch hazel to your t-zone and chin with a cotton ball or pad. Alcohol-based astringents are too harsh for sensitive skin conditions like rosacea, so make sure to read your ingredients and talk to your dermatologist before trying new products. Let the toner dry on your face before applying a light facial moisturizer with SPF in outward circle motions. Don’t forget to moisturize your neck and décolleté to fight against the signs of aging and sun damage.

Keep it deep. Clogged pores are one of the biggest problems caused by increased amounts of sebum during the summer. A deep cleansing face mask at once a week can keep your pores clear and reduce that summer shine. Focus on clay-based masks which provide a deep clean, effectively remove impurities, and allow pores to breathe properly.

Keep it nutritious. Cocktails, beer and wine, and spicy food are staples of many summers, but they are also oily skin culprits as they dilate blood vessels and increase perspiration. Watch your alcohol intake and ease up on the spicy food. Instead, increase your consumption of skin-healthy foods such as blueberries, whole grains, spinach and peppers which are high in anti-oxidants and improve complexion. Vitamin C can help your skin regenerate and stop cell damage, and foods rich in vitamin A like carrots, cantaloupe, and spinach can decrease oil production.

During the summer and throughout the year, Dr. Mariano Busso can help you keep your skin healthy and luminous. For more information on summer skin care or to book your next cosmetic dermatology appointment in Miami, contact us at 305-857-0144.

The bumps and blemishes of a bad breakout are never fun. Sometimes, they’ll happen for reasons you simply can’t control; all you can do is react and address the problem after it has already soured your mood or ruined your day. Given that breakouts are such downers, you’d certainly never want to do anything to cause one. But the reality is that whether you know it or not, you may be engaging in any number of bad habits which can trigger breakouts and cause you unnecessary grief.

Here are four things you may be doing that can unwittingly lead to breakouts:

Washing your skin too often or too hard

Of course, you want to wash your skin and keep it clean, as you should. But if you wash your skin too much, it can actually make acne worse. Cleaning your skin once or twice per day is usually enough. Similarly, your desire to keep your skin clean can lead to too much enthusiasm when cleaning or exfoliating. If you are too vigorous with a washcloth or loofah or use a harsh exfoliant, it can cause irritation and make acne-prone skin more susceptible to breakouts.

Hair care mistakes

The oil, dirt, and environmental pollutants that collect in your hair need to be washed away. But gravity being what it is, what winds up on your scalp will work its way down to your face and your body. That’s why how you treat your hair can have a big impact on breakouts. If you don’t wash your hair enough, all that excess oil and grime will wind up on your forehead, cheeks, and shoulders, increasing the likelihood of pimples. But it’s not just the bad stuff that can cause acne and breakouts. The gel, mousse, hairspray, and other products you use to keep yourself looking good can make you look bad if they get on your face as they can block pores and lead to breakouts.

Greasy food

Greasy food is often extremely tasty, even though you know full well that it can also be extremely bad for you. But if you eat greasy food, you may need more than Tums or a trip to the gym to address the problems it can cause. All the oil and grease on such delicacies can wind up on your fingers and your face and wreak havoc on your complexion.

Picking and popping

When you see a giant pimple staring back at you in your mirror, it is understandably tempting to attack it immediately by attempting to pop it or by picking at it. Don’t do it. Messing with acne can cause increased redness and squeeze the pus even deeper into your skin. In some cases, picking or popping a pimple can cause scarring. Resist the temptation and instead reach for an anti-acne lotion or cream to spot treat gently.

At Dr. Busso’s leading Miami cosmetic dermatology clinic, we help patients develop and sustain healthy skin care habits that can keep them looking and feeling their best. An expert in all things skincare and aesthetics, Dr. Busso has coached physicians all over the country on his innovative techniques and quality of care. Call us today at 305-857-0144 to schedule your consultation.

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